New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on phone on Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin when they discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine.
During the interaction, Modi voiced concern for the safety and security of Indian students who are still remaining in Sumy.
“The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine. President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and expressed hope that they would lead to cessation of the conflict,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
He suggested that a direct conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may greatly assist the ongoing peace efforts.
President Putin briefed the Prime Minister about the ongoing measures related to humanitarian corridors for facilitating evacuation of civilians including Indian students.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi spoke to Ukraine President Zelenskiy and sought his continued support in the ongoing efforts to evacuate Indian nationals from Sumy, where a ceasefire had been announced by Russia.
The telephone call lasted for about 35 minutes in which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Ukraine, government sources said. Modi appreciated the continuing direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelenskiy briefed the Prime Minister in detail about the conflict situation and the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
The Prime Minister expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict and resultant humanitarian crisis.
PM Modi reiterated his call for immediate cessation of violence and noted that India has always stood for peaceful resolution of issues and direct dialogue between the two parties.
PM Modi thanked Ukrainian authorities for their facilitation in evacuating more than 20000 Indian citizens from Ukraine.
